[Q] Scared to apply JB Update - Motorola Droid Bionic

I had another thread about rooting my Bionic and I was getting help. I did have more questions and was hoping that as the process went on, I would get answers. I guess it just kinda died since no one is answering my last questions. If anyone wants to check it out, it's in this section and the only one I have posted.
Anyway, the main question I have, and I figured it would be better to start it's own topic, is about updating to JB on a rooted phone. I have read many threads and lots of people either messed up root or bricked and had to start over. I guess it's not so much a question, more like directions on doing it properly. Like I said, I have read posts with instructions and a bunch of people chime in saying they did everything but still lost root. So there could be something unclear in those instructions and I don't want to take a chance. I will tell you what I have so far and what I have done.
I rooted my phone using this method
http://droidbionicroot.com/droid-bionic-root/how-to-root-ics-on-droid-bionic-and-motorola-android/
The root process I used gave me SuperSU and didn't tell me the version for the SU binaries. I searched around and all I could find was info on SuperUser in regards to backing up root. I uninstalled SuperSU, kinda. I just told it to use a different SU cuz when I used SuperUser and updated the binaries, SuperSU wanted to update them, then I opened SuperUser and the binaries reverted back. I was worried so I just told SuperSU to use a different SU. Was that ok?
SuperSU is no longer there, just disappeared. SuperUser is still on my phone.
Got safestrap tho still not updated to 3.11, got TBU (free), got Voodoo.
I have not made a backup with TBU.
I did do protect root with Voodoo but that was a week or so ago.
I have not made any major changes. BUT, I do have Hide It Pro and the apps I have hidden appear in TBU as frozen. Well at least it is highlighted and the option defrost is there.
So yeah, I want to make sure I update correctly. And I know some of you will either think or actually post that I should search. I assure you that I have. I just want to make sure it's not the instructions and it's just the person's mistake for not following instructions. I did see a post that had a bunch of people saying it didn't work and then 3 pages in a person said "oh you were supposed to do that" which was never made clear.

Don't be afraid....
The worst that can happen is you brick your phone and have to redo EVERYTHING. And chances are that won't happen if you're considering this and have done things in the past.
I only keep one SU app on my phone, but I have heard about being careful if you do have more than one not to confuse the binaries, so maybe if you can uninstall one and just use the one you kept to do everything, I'd say do that, but again I don't know.
I would also be careful about anything frozen especially if it's a system app or bloatware in the system...
See my other thread [Trifecta] Jelly Bean Update...I had all kinds of issues and made it thru, I'm sure you could too.
Cheers.

Ok, but what exactly do I do? I haven't modded anything, just rooted and "froze" apps. I know that after reading that I should take my phone back to where I had it right after root with no changes. Like I said, my phone has no mods and nothing has really changed. So what is the best way to update and keep root? Only reason I want to keep root is because it was easy and I don't want to do it again but more complicated (don't know Linux) If someone wants to type it out, step by step, or link to instructions that you followed exactly and succeeded in updating and keeping root, please do so.
As far as the GSM hack, not sure if I really need that.

Sorry....wasn't leaving you hanging...
You can try an app called OTA RootKeeper by Voodoo, it seems to work most of the time. But from what I understand once you start the update to JB even if it fails you can't go back. So if you update and lose root...
Go HERE
Read thru it, then follow the links to all info, tools & instructions.
Cheers.

Thanks. Hopefully everything goes ok with the update. I really don't want to spend a day learning and updating programs I never used. But if the update fails I guess I have no choice. I will wait till I know I have time, probably this weekend.

CycoPuppet said:
Thanks. Hopefully everything goes ok with the update. I really don't want to spend a day learning and updating programs I never used. But if the update fails I guess I have no choice. I will wait till I know I have time, probably this weekend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was chiming in for what little help I could offer on your other thread, and then I ran into an unexpected glitch myself. You can read all about it here. Basically, if you do an FDR for any reason on the stock ROM in SafeStrap, you are probably going to run into problems. It's happening to a ton of other people.

CycoPuppet said:
I had another thread about rooting my Bionic and I was getting help. I did have more questions and was hoping that as the process went on, I would get answers. I guess it just kinda died since no one is answering my last questions. If anyone wants to check it out, it's in this section and the only one I have posted.
Anyway, the main question I have, and I figured it would be better to start it's own topic, is about updating to JB on a rooted phone. I have read many threads and lots of people either messed up root or bricked and had to start over. I guess it's not so much a question, more like directions on doing it properly. Like I said, I have read posts with instructions and a bunch of people chime in saying they did everything but still lost root. So there could be something unclear in those instructions and I don't want to take a chance. I will tell you what I have so far and what I have done.
I rooted my phone using this method
http://droidbionicroot.com/droid-bionic-root/how-to-root-ics-on-droid-bionic-and-motorola-android/
The root process I used gave me SuperSU and didn't tell me the version for the SU binaries. I searched around and all I could find was info on SuperUser in regards to backing up root. I uninstalled SuperSU, kinda. I just told it to use a different SU cuz when I used SuperUser and updated the binaries, SuperSU wanted to update them, then I opened SuperUser and the binaries reverted back. I was worried so I just told SuperSU to use a different SU. Was that ok?
SuperSU is no longer there, just disappeared. SuperUser is still on my phone.
Got safestrap tho still not updated to 3.11, got TBU (free), got Voodoo.
I have not made a backup with TBU.
I did do protect root with Voodoo but that was a week or so ago.
I have not made any major changes. BUT, I do have Hide It Pro and the apps I have hidden appear in TBU as frozen. Well at least it is highlighted and the option defrost is there.
So yeah, I want to make sure I update correctly. And I know some of you will either think or actually post that I should search. I assure you that I have. I just want to make sure it's not the instructions and it's just the person's mistake for not following instructions. I did see a post that had a bunch of people saying it didn't work and then 3 pages in a person said "oh you were supposed to do that" which was never made clear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You were trying to use two different superuser apps (superuser and SuperSu) to control the su binary - each comes with its own binary, so when you used one to update su, then the other is naturally going to complain.

Clean Install
CycoPuppet said:
So yeah, I want to make sure I update correctly. And I know some of you will either think or actually post that I should search. I assure you that I have. I just want to make sure it's not the instructions and it's just the person's mistake for not following instructions. I did see a post that had a bunch of people saying it didn't work and then 3 pages in a person said "oh you were supposed to do that" which was never made clear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I highly suggest that before you try anything, you make a backup of your device with TBU and then copy the TBU file to your PC.
From what i've heard the cleanest way to keep root and get to JB is to backup everything, flash the ICS fxz, root, backup root with Voodoo and then take the ota update. This should put your phone on stock rooted JB. From there you can download TBU and restore your apps and data.
This is a bit excessive but it should in theory fix any issues that could arise from having frozen apps or otherwise changed the system.

ian_mcxa said:
I highly suggest that before you try anything, you make a backup of your device with TBU and then copy the TBU file to your PC.
From what i've heard the cleanest way to keep root and get to JB is to backup everything, flash the ICS fxz, root, backup root with Voodoo and then take the ota update. This should put your phone on stock rooted JB. From there you can download TBU and restore your apps and data.
This is a bit excessive but it should in theory fix any issues that could arise from having frozen apps or otherwise changed the system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FXZ TO 246 ICS NOW. You've already updated to JB, and you will brick your phone if you attempt to go back.

Related

[Q] New Root Exploit for JB worked, but no root?

I took the JB OTA update. Which works great except the phone wont allow me to access my dialpad mid-call sometimes...weird. Anyway, I used Voodoo OTA Root keeper and took the update and restored...all check marks there, but no root. So i decided to wait for an exploit for a lil while and then i got my wish! Which using ubuntu and the terminal and not windows seemed easier to me so i set it up.
Did all the steps and it worked! or so i thought...phone vibrated and came back on with the superuser apk etc. Check with root checker...no root. Not sure where my conflict is coming from now? Not sure if I should Fxz JB 4.1.2 or what, I've been reading some things on that thread, different problems people have had seemingly with the firmware. I didn't think it should matter as far as rooting the phone goes, but one person was saying that using it would stop the exploit from working? Never thought that would be the case, am i missing something?
Also, my phone after i tried both of these keeps asking me to update my superuser binary. First with one superuser app and now with the one that was with the exploit package and i can't seem to do it. Feel like i'm missing something simple here but i'm not sure what it is?
Did you wait for the vibrations and then press a hardware button, like vol up or dn? Others have reported having to go through the exploit more than once to get it rooted. Give it another try. I was able to get root on the second try, but I royally messed up the process the first time.
Embarrassing, but no I forgot the hardware button. Worked like a champ second time lol my advice don't do this late when your not awake, follow all the steps!
Sent from my XT875 using xda premium

OTA 139.15.1 keep root

All,
Has anyone on Verizon done the OTA update and kept root? From what I've been reading, sounds like if you rooted with MotoRoot then you're okay, but not if you used PwnMyMoto.
As far as people getting a bootloop, that does make some sense because the recovery partition is really just the boot image... So I can flash the stock recovery to the recovery partition before running the update, and that should theoretically prevent a bootloop. However, if this is going to erase my root, then I don't want to do the update.
So, has anyone on verizon done the OTA and kept their root? How did you do it?
First item, this is a question so it should belong in the question and answer threads! Secondly look here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2466191
Sent on my Moto X
Sorry, and thanks! I'll probably give this a shot, make that camera work a little better...
You can always install the SafeStrap ROM here. That's what I did.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2484908
[Rom] [VZW] SafeStrap 139.12.57
Sent from my Moto X
The way that everyone (including myself) have been updating and keeping root on Verizon is as followed:
1. RSD back to stock (instructions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446515)
2. Install PwnMyMoto and DO NOT RUN IT
3. Download and install OTA
4. When the install completes, your phone will reboot a few times. This is just PwnMyMoto doing its magic.
5. Profit.
dymmeh said:
The way that everyone (including myself) have been updating and keeping root on Verizon is as followed:
1. RSD back to stock (instructions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446515)
2. Install PwnMyMoto and DO NOT RUN IT
3. Download and install OTA
4. When the install completes, your phone will reboot a few times. This is just PwnMyMoto doing its magic.
5. Profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This method makes it so SafeStrap is no longer available though, right? If that's not the case then... Don't know what I've been waiting for!
Sent from my Moto X
mercado79 said:
This method makes it so SafeStrap is no longer available though, right? If that's not the case then... Don't know what I've been waiting for!
Sent from my Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I searched around and can't really find an answer to that. I don't use SafeStrap so I have no idea. I'd assume you can try the method I posted and try using SafeStrap after. If that doesn't work then just RSD back to pre-update and hang on to SafeStrap until it's figured out. No guarantees if it'd work / break stuff, though. You'd be the guinea pig for that one.
dymmeh said:
I searched around and can't really find an answer to that. I don't use SafeStrap so I have no idea. I'd assume you can try the method I posted and try using SafeStrap after. If that doesn't work then just RSD back to pre-update and hang on to SafeStrap until it's figured out. No guarantees if it'd work / break stuff, though. You'd be the guinea pig for that one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@jcase Any chance you can answer this for us? Just cause someone was able to keep root (the one shot kind you mentioned), does that mean that using RSD is still on the table?
Sent from my Moto X
mercado79 said:
@jcase Any chance you can answer this for us? Just cause someone was able to keep root (the one shot kind you mentioned), does that mean that using RSD is still on the table?
Sent from my Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you take the OTA you dont have wY to revert to old stock Motorola block the reverts already and @jcase already said that he will be back for root in this device till 4.3 is out
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
juancaperez2000 said:
If you take the OTA you dont have wY to revert to old stock Motorola block the reverts already and @jcase already said that he will be back for root in this device till 4.3 is out
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought too. Thanks.
MikeyNick said:
All,
Has anyone on Verizon done the OTA update and kept root? From what I've been reading, sounds like if you rooted with MotoRoot then you're okay, but not if you used PwnMyMoto.
As far as people getting a bootloop, that does make some sense because the recovery partition is really just the boot image... So I can flash the stock recovery to the recovery partition before running the update, and that should theoretically prevent a bootloop. However, if this is going to erase my root, then I don't want to do the update.
So, has anyone on verizon done the OTA and kept their root? How did you do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For sure have I just updated my Moto X the other day on VZW and kept root. Here is a link to the process on how to do it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2466191
will2live said:
For sure have I just updated my Moto X the other day on VZW and kept root. Here is a link to the process on how to do it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2466191
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's not up for debate. The issue is that even though you kept root, you're now blocked from using safestrap or ever gaining root again in the future (once another ota comes through). The update has now patched root going forward and it sounds like you won't be able to keep it after this update.
MikeyNick said:
All,
Has anyone on Verizon done the OTA update and kept root? From what I've been reading, sounds like if you rooted with MotoRoot then you're okay, but not if you used PwnMyMoto.
As far as people getting a bootloop, that does make some sense because the recovery partition is really just the boot image... So I can flash the stock recovery to the recovery partition before running the update, and that should theoretically prevent a bootloop. However, if this is going to erase my root, then I don't want to do the update.
So, has anyone on verizon done the OTA and kept their root? How did you do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mercado79 said:
I think that's not up for debate. The issue is that even though you kept root, you're now blocked from using safestrap or ever gaining root again in the future (once another ota comes through). The update has now patched root going forward and it sounds like you won't be able to keep it after this update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safestrap i know about and dont care about as i dont use it. As for moving forward with root I'll be surprised if that is the case but I wont disagree either. It is very possible they patch something to actually block root down the road. From my understanding tho currently the patch is blocking ppl to root the update not keeping root if the process is followed correctly. My guess is odds are it will be the same on the next OTA just like we had to do on the original Razr line to keep root until the bootloader was unlocked. However if the next OTA is 4.3 tha tcould all change for sure as anything is possible. Even so when that time comes I'll just unlock mine. I do have a Dev edition i just haven't unlocked with it being brand new and not wanting to void warranty yet to make sure hardware is cool but i do want root so i went the long route for now is all.
dymmeh said:
The way that everyone (including myself) have been updating and keeping root on Verizon is as followed:
1. RSD back to stock (instructions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446515)
2. Install PwnMyMoto and DO NOT RUN IT
3. Download and install OTA
4. When the install completes, your phone will reboot a few times. This is just PwnMyMoto doing its magic.
5. Profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I installed PwnMyMoto, SuperSU and OTA Root Keeper, then decided not to root. I installed the Verizon update and boom, I'm rooted. Is that what you're saying is needed? I was surprised that root apps all work fine for me, I really didn't do anything but install those apks before I installed the camera update!
boardrx182 said:
So I installed PwnMyMoto, SuperSU and OTA Root Keeper, then decided not to root. I installed the Verizon update and boom, I'm rooted. Is that what you're saying is needed? I was surprised that root apps all work fine for me, I really didn't do anything but install those apks before I installed the camera update!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you had PwnMyMoto and never ran it / not rooted you were good to go. SuperSU could be installed before or after. I dont think OTA Root Keeper was needed at all. PwnMyMoto runs after a reboot so once you installed the OTA and rebooted it did its rooting magic automatically for you. Glad it all worked out for you
dymmeh said:
The way that everyone (including myself) have been updating and keeping root on Verizon is as followed:
1. RSD back to stock (instructions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446515)
2. Install PwnMyMoto and DO NOT RUN IT
3. Download and install OTA
4. When the install completes, your phone will reboot a few times. This is just PwnMyMoto doing its magic.
5. Profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dymmeh said:
As long as you had PwnMyMoto and never ran it / not rooted you were good to go. SuperSU could be installed before or after. I dont think OTA Root Keeper was needed at all. PwnMyMoto runs after a reboot so once you installed the OTA and rebooted it did its rooting magic automatically for you. Glad it all worked out for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's awesome, didn't realize that would happen automatically. I completely expected that I'd have to complete the entire root process steps that were outlined in an earlier post if I wanted root. Thanks for the reply.
will2live said:
Safestrap i know about and dont care about as i dont use it. As for moving forward with root I'll be surprised if that is the case but I wont disagree either. It is very possible they patch something to actually block root down the road. From my understanding tho currently the patch is blocking ppl to root the update not keeping root if the process is followed correctly. My guess is odds are it will be the same on the next OTA just like we had to do on the original Razr line to keep root until the bootloader was unlocked. However if the next OTA is 4.3 tha tcould all change for sure as anything is possible. Even so when that time comes I'll just unlock mine. I do have a Dev edition i just haven't unlocked with it being brand new and not wanting to void warranty yet to make sure hardware is cool but i do want root so i went the long route for now is all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
people who have moto employee friends say they are moving to 4.3 next. Also, there may be a work around for you to keep root with the next release, but because people who aren't on dev phones that must be sure they can retain root would not have used this method (as it is a one chance type of method). so it is more likely that any new workarounds that people come up with will be for those that still have the ability to downgrade to original stock firmware. Also, SS is nice because it gives you the ability to run the phone just like you normally would but you can create complete backups of the device so you don't have to set everything up all over again if you screw something up with your phone. Even if you don't use SS for flashing roms it is still useful for back ups.
jayboyyyy said:
people who have moto employee friends say they are moving to 4.3 next. Also, there may be a work around for you to keep root with the next release, but because people who aren't on dev phones that must be sure they can retain root would not have used this method (as it is a one chance type of method). so it is more likely that any new workarounds that people come up with will be for those that still have the ability to downgrade to original stock firmware. Also, SS is nice because it gives you the ability to run the phone just like you normally would but you can create complete backups of the device so you don't have to set everything up all over again if you screw something up with your phone. Even if you don't use SS for flashing roms it is still useful for back ups.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have my Moto contacts and yes they are moving to 4.3 next last i was told when I asked. As for downgrading stock software that isn't going to happen once updated as you can't go backwards. Moto devices have been that way going back to the original Droid Razr. Its few and far between where you could actually go backwards after an OTA. So unless you mean stock of the current build installed then ppl will have issues for sure. That said if ppl OTA and have root now but for whatever reason need to use the new fastboot file that was just posted they will in fact be SOL for gaining root. This is exactly why I refuse to buy consumer units from the carrier besides a few other reason I wont go into. My theory is simple we want to mess with device buy an unlockable one or be ready to suffer/wait for an exploit after an OTA hits.
As far as root moving forward what process you talking about tho? There is 2 ways to do it. The one posted right above your post in this thread, or the link I posted above. If the info in this thread was used yes there may be an issue because of the patch. However I will be very surprised to see ppl not be able to keep root if they updated using the process in the link I posted above. Besides having to fastboot the boot.img to recovery in that process its the same way original Droid Razr owners had to update to be able to keep root if there was no root process for the OTA being pushed. Moving forward my guess is there will be an issue once 4.3 hits tho. I'm not sure you will be able to use the old kernel from 4.2.2 to overwrite recovery and boot the 4.3 /system so you can restore root and pull the actual 4.3 boot.img so that can be used for the recovery highjack. Bottom line is only time will tell at this point as you never know what Moto/Google will do with the next update.
Agreed on SS for backups even if not flashing ROMs, but personally i just dont mess with my device enough to worry about a full back i guess. For apps/settings I just use MyBackup PRO. I've also have an app a buddy made that creates a full XML if i wanted to use it. In the old days I use to make alot of backups for ROM flashing when I used SS. Guess in my old age I've just got lazy and dont worry about it that much anymore. I really hose the device I'll just swap to one of my others til i get back to fixing the messed up one.
will2live said:
I have my Moto contacts and yes they are moving to 4.3 next last i was told when I asked. As for downgrading stock software that isn't going to happen once updated as you can't go backwards. Moto devices have been that way going back to the original Droid Razr. Its few and far between where you could actually go backwards after an OTA. So unless you mean stock of the current build installed then ppl will have issues for sure. That said if ppl OTA and have root now but for whatever reason need to use the new fastboot file that was just posted they will in fact be SOL for gaining root. This is exactly why I refuse to buy consumer units from the carrier besides a few other reason I wont go into. My theory is simple we want to mess with device buy an unlockable one or be ready to suffer/wait for an exploit after an OTA hits.
As far as root moving forward what process you talking about tho? There is 2 ways to do it. The one posted right above your post in this thread, or the link I posted above. If the info in this thread was used yes there may be an issue because of the patch. However I will be very surprised to see ppl not be able to keep root if they updated using the process in the link I posted above. Besides having to fastboot the boot.img to recovery in that process its the same way original Droid Razr owners had to update to be able to keep root if there was no root process for the OTA being pushed. Moving forward my guess is there will be an issue once 4.3 hits tho. I'm not sure you will be able to use the old kernel from 4.2.2 to overwrite recovery and boot the 4.3 /system so you can restore root and pull the actual 4.3 boot.img so that can be used for the recovery highjack. Bottom line is only time will tell at this point as you never know what Moto/Google will do with the next update.
Agreed on SS for backups even if not flashing ROMs, but personally i just dont mess with my device enough to worry about a full back i guess. For apps/settings I just use MyBackup PRO. I've also have an app a buddy made that creates a full XML if i wanted to use it. In the old days I use to make alot of backups for ROM flashing when I used SS. Guess in my old age I've just got lazy and dont worry about it that much anymore. I really hose the device I'll just swap to one of my others til i get back to fixing the messed up one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3 ways to maintain root are the one in the thread, SS, and the one you posted. The one you posted actually allows you to flash the original stock firmware on the phone because the BL was never touched thus the security (keeping you from downgrading) was never installed. That was what I was referring to when I said those that must make sure they will retain root in the future would not have done the install pwnmymmoto without running then take ota then run pwnmymoto. As you said those people will be screwed if the next root requires you to flash back to original stock or use part of the pwnmymoto exploit that will only be accessible to those that got the OTA with SS or the link you posted. I don't toy with my phone as much as I used to especially this one, but bypasing exchange security is pretty essential for me. I don't want an encrypted device with mandatory pin. I never lose my phone and I would know within minutes of losing it if i ever did so I could shut it down remotely.
And I'm not sure about the new kernel situation either. This is why I wanted to make sure I could go back to original firmware as I see that being our best bet to retain root through 4.3, assuming jcase doesn't release another exploit for it to get some cash.
jayboyyyy said:
3 ways to maintain root are the one in the thread, SS, and the one you posted. The one you posted actually allows you to flash the original stock firmware on the phone because the BL was never touched thus the security (keeping you from downgrading) was never installed. That was what I was referring to when I said those that must make sure they will retain root in the future would not have done the install pwnmymmoto without running then take ota then run pwnmymoto. As you said those people will be screwed if the next root requires you to flash back to original stock or use part of the pwnmymoto exploit that will only be accessible to those that got the OTA with SS or the link you posted. I don't toy with my phone as much as I used to especially this one, but bypasing exchange security is pretty essential for me. I don't want an encrypted device with mandatory pin. I never lose my phone and I would know within minutes of losing it if i ever did so I could shut it down remotely.
And I'm not sure about the new kernel situation either. This is why I wanted to make sure I could go back to original firmware as I see that being our best bet to retain root through 4.3, assuming jcase doesn't release another exploit for it to get some cash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotchya, makes total sense now what you are saying. I think there is just confusion at times when talking about root & OTA because of different ways to do it in a case like this device. Being a Moto guy for so long tho i'm use to all the BS they throw at us.....lol. That said that is why i posted the link I did. Imho it's a bad plan to update using the other method of installing pwnmymoto and not running it first before taking the OTA. Doing the process to protect root before updating is a much safer bet atm imo. Sure its a little more work but at the end of the day you dont have to be worried as much moving forward. Only concern I have still for doing it the longer way is if that process will work when they push out 4.3. It had alot of changes in it so lord only knows what will be up for keeping root. And really in my case its no concern but for all the folks with consumer version it is still a concern i think for the time being

Stock recovery and upgrading Lollipop with future OTAs after rooting

Hello everyone,
I'm back to a nexus 6 after a very short stint with a 6+.
A little background for my questions: This is the very first time that I rooted a phone. I'm rooting to only install these 3 apps:
adaway
titanium backup
greenify
I do not plan on using any custom ROMs or kernels.
I see from all the guides and tutorials that people also create a custom recovery whenever they root. I haven't done that yet and wasn't sure if I had to. I would like to maintain the stock recovery that I have currently so that I can go back to stock if I unRoot. My questions are:
1. Am I wrong in thinking that I can still use the stock recovery if I unRoot?
2. When a new OTA comes out and I flash it (since I'm rooted an no longer can install them automatically), will that also upgrade my still stock recovery properly?
3. Following up on the previous question, when I upgrade manually because I'm rooted, would that be a fresh install where I have to go in and configure things the way I like them again (system settings, apps and their settings, root the phone again, etc)?
Thanks in advance!
LordGrahf said:
Hello everyone,
I'm back to a nexus 6 after a very short stint with a 6+.
A little background for my questions: This is the very first time that I rooted a phone. I'm rooting to only install these 3 apps:
adaway
titanium backup
greenify
I do not plan on using any custom ROMs or kernels.
I see from all the guides and tutorials that people also create a custom recovery whenever they root. I haven't done that yet and wasn't sure if I had to. I would like to maintain the stock recovery that I have currently so that I can go back to stock if I unRoot. My questions are:
1. Am I wrong in thinking that I can still use the stock recovery if I unRoot?
2. When a new OTA comes out and I flash it (since I'm rooted an no longer can install them automatically), will that also upgrade my still stock recovery properly?
3. Following up on the previous question, when I upgrade manually because I'm rooted, would that be a fresh install where I have to go in and configure things the way I like them again (system settings, apps and their settings, root the phone again, etc)?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No, you're not wrong. Recovery will stay stock and can be used normally
2. You can't simply flash the new OTA. This will not work manually nor automatically.
3. All you need to do is not flash the user data image and you will not loose your data, settings etc. You will loose root however. See bellow.
Google posts android stock images for each device typically before OTA hits your phone. That's what you want to grab and use for the update. Just make sure you don't run the automatic scripts that come with those images because you need to avoid flashing user data image.
OTA zip file does you no good unless you get your system back to unmodified stock.
Thank you sir!
obsanity said:
1. No, you're not wrong. Recovery will stay stock and can be used normally
2. You can't simply flash the new OTA. This will not work manually nor automatically.
3. All you need to do is not flash the user data image and you will not loose your data, settings etc. You will loose root however. See bellow.
Google posts android stock images for each device typically before OTA hits your phone. That's what you want to grab and use for the update. Just make sure you don't run the automatic scripts that come with those images because you need to avoid flashing user data image.
OTA zip file does you no good unless you get your system back to unmodified stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on the OP, it sounds like he has only rooted. Thus, the OTA will work fine. No need to flash image files.
Edit: I see that at least one other member has stated that an unroot still did not allow OTAs to function. That's a bit strange and unique. Not sure what root is modifying to prevent the OTA.
I'm kinda curious myself. I had no idea root killed OTA's. Maybe I wouldn't have done that if I knew that. I'm very new to the Nexus device. It's my 1st. I unlocked the bootloader and rooted already.
Sent from Mark's Nexus 6
crowbarman said:
Edit: I see that at least one other member has stated that an unroot still did not allow OTAs to function. That's a bit strange and unique. Not sure what root is modifying to prevent the OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is pretty scary. So you can unroot and GI back to stock and still can't update in anyway?
I have always side-loaded OTAs, I have never flashed anything.
After installing an OTA, on the next reboot, Android takes some time to optimize all your apps. Does this also happen after flashing a new system image? Thanks!
LordGrahf said:
This is pretty scary. So you can unroot and GI back to stock and still can't update in anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not sure what you mean by GI, but according to some others, after uninstalling root via SuperSU an OTA will still not install. This should not be the case unless the boot or recovery images are modified. Easily fixed by following the procedures above to fastboot the stock images on your phone.
kjnangre said:
I have always side-loaded OTAs, I have never flashed anything.
After installing an OTA, on the next reboot, Android takes some time to optimize all your apps. Does this also happen after flashing a new system image? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it behaves exactly the same.
crowbarman said:
Based on the OP, it sounds like he has only rooted. Thus, the OTA will work fine. No need to flash image files.
Edit: I see that at least one other member has stated that an unroot still did not allow OTAs to function. That's a bit strange and unique. Not sure what root is modifying to prevent the OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root on Lollipop is not what it used to be. There are files that need to be modified in order to allow root. That's why this time OTA will fail if you are rooted.
Un-rooting however, will allow OTA as long as it is done properly and all traces are covered up and returned to stock. If it does fail after you have un-rooted, go back to the developer of that un-root method and let the know they missed something.
Here is the best way to un-root. Flash all of the old stock images besides user data image.
obsanity said:
Root on Lollipop is not what it used to be. There are files that need to be modified in order to allow root. That's why this time OTA will fail if you are rooted.
Un-rooting however, will allow OTA as long as it is done properly and all traces are covered up and returned to stock. If it does fail after you have un-rooted, go back to the developer of that un-root method and let the know they missed something.
Here is the best way to un-root. Flash all of the old stock images besides user data image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes sense. Is there a manual root procedure or list of required modifications for root out there? I did some precursors searches but Came up empty. Can't tell what's missing in SuperSU unroot without those details.
crowbarman said:
That makes sense. Is there a manual root procedure or list of required modifications for root out there? I did some precursors searches but Came up empty. Can't tell what's missing in SuperSU unroot without those details.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Explanation from Chainfire:
https://plus.google.com/113517319477420052449/posts/S5zoKTzKUW1
obsanity said:
Explanation from Chainfire:
https://plus.google.com/113517319477420052449/posts/S5zoKTzKUW1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this. A good read, but I'm surprised nobody has demanded more details than 'patched the policies in SELinux'. Not that I don't trust Chain fire (I do) , but who really knows what has been done to our phones?
crowbarman said:
Thanks for this. A good read, but I'm surprised nobody has demanded more details than 'patched the policies in SELinux'. Not that I don't trust Chain fire (I do) , but who really knows what has been done to our phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the problem with Chainfire's work... he does not release source.
Again, best un-root method is to flash original images less user data.
obsanity said:
That's the problem with Chainfire's work... he does not release source.
Again, best un-root method is to flash original images less user data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing this info. Its a bit concerning tbh. Is there a cleaner way to root other than using superSU?
LordGrahf said:
Thanks for sharing this info. Its a bit concerning tbh. Is there a cleaner way to root other than using superSU?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm afraid not but Chainfire's is probably the cleanest possible. Koush was the one with an open source solution but he hasn't updated his to 5.0 yet.
obsanity said:
I'm afraid not but Chainfire's is probably the cleanest possible. Koush was the one with an open source solution but he hasn't updated his to 5.0 yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an argument that publishing the method would allow Google to close it that much quicker, I suppose.
crowbarman said:
Thanks for this. A good read, but I'm surprised nobody has demanded more details than 'patched the policies in SELinux'. Not that I don't trust Chain fire (I do) , but who really knows what has been done to our phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The base changes and reasoning for those changes are actually documented on my website. Specific policy adjustments are present in plain text in the supolicy executable, as any hex editor will show you. Those who really wanted to know rather than whine about OSS, know.
By far most policy adjustments just drop audit log output for contexts that are already permissive, though.
All that information is still completely useless unless you understand SELinux in detail and how it's implemented on Android, though.
I assume that the encryption doesn't get in the way of being able to flash the images?
When I went from 5.0 to 5.0.1 on my old Nexus 5 all I did was flash the two new 5.0.1 images I extracted from the full factory image, then re-rooted. This is far cleaner than reverting back to the previous image then doing an OTA. I've not had to update my N6 yet so I don't know if my method will work still, but I hope it does.
Chainfire said:
The base changes and reasoning for those changes are actually documented on my website. Specific policy adjustments are present in plain text in the supolicy executable, as any hex editor will show you. Those who really wanted to know rather than whine about OSS, know.
By far most policy adjustments just drop audit log output for contexts that are already permissive, though.
All that information is still completely useless unless you understand SELinux in detail and how it's implemented on Android, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the additional information.
I did spend a fair amount of time reading your documentation but failed to utilize a hex editor. I am not 'whining' about the lack of open source, rather, simply mildly surprised, but your website aptly describes the challenges with 5.0. Many are used to various root methods being available.
Your solution is fine with me.. I love your work.
Edit: I thought I'd add that the discussion has devolved from the OP, which was whether an OTA can be applied after uninstalling root. The answer was no, due to the unknowns about what still might be modified following the uninstall via SuperSU.

[Q] Information Overload!

OK, I've read so much that things are just getting jumbled in my brain now. There's so much information in these threads that I don't know where to start. The world of Android apparently moves too fast for me to keep up. I've got a Verizon LG G2 that is stuck on 4.4.2, software version 24A. Right after I took the OTA KK upgrade I rooted with IORoot25. I don't think I've done anything other than root, however I have somehow can create the mobile hot spot without permissions. Not sure if there was an .apk that was put on when I rooted or how I did it because it was over a year ago.
Ever since I rooted, my phone tries to push OTA updates but they are always unsuccessful. Every morning I have to hit "Install Later" becasue it tried over night and failed. Besides this being a bit annoying, I haven't been concerned becasue the only OTAs since I got 4.4.2 was supposedly some small patch that didn't really do much (from what I read). But, the other day it notified me that it wanted to push Lollipop and needless to say, I want it.
My problem: I don't know what the hell to do! Besides rooting, I'm pretty sure the only thing I've done is download Flashify and backup my stock recovery. Flashify doesn't show that I have a custom recovery, nor do I ever remember installing one. Just whatever came with the IORoot25. Oh, and it looks like I Quarantined LGSetupWizard using App Quarentine. Pretty sure that's it. So, where do I go from here?? I'm wanting to move to Lollipop, then possibly de-bloat it, and would like a custom recovery so that I can create nandroid backups and possibly start trying out other custom ROMs.
I had an OG Droid for years and would flash ROMs frequently until I upgraded to a RAZR MAXX. Once I got the MAXX, and now the LG, all I've really done is root and hack the wifi, so I'm REALLY out of the loop now! Everything seems so complicated becasue there's just too much info out there. Could somebody please guide me in the right direction to make this as smooth as possible??
Thanks for reading and helping a NooB out. Ugh...can't believe I have to start calling myself that again!!
You could 'freeze' the update so it doesn't pop up every morning. IF you want to update- you can unroot it and then take the update and re-root it and fix the hotspot thing. I'm in the same boat, I'm about to do the same myself.
caecusscius said:
You could 'freeze' the update so it doesn't pop up every morning. IF you want to update- you can unroot it and then take the update and re-root it and fix the hotspot thing. I'm in the same boat, I'm about to do the same myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response. Hoe do I "freeze" the update? If I do decide to take the update and re-root, and especially if I start loading custom ROMs, I know I'm going to want to do this in the future. I've been getting theses OTA update notifications everyday for months now!!
Also, what's the easiest way to unroot?
AS long as you are running stock I believe you can accept the OTA without unrooting: I haven't done it yet as I haven't had a few free hours, but I'm going to try it tonight.
there are plenty of apps that allow you to freeze apps- titanium Backup Pro is one that comes to mind.

Removing/Uninstalling CF-SuperSU

So, I'm trying to find a work-around ever since the idiots over at Niantic blocked rooted users. I used Magisk which worked, but that means I had to reset everything and run on stock. I loved the ExtreStoLite ROM and I want my phone to run on that, but the ROM is pre-rooted with SuperSU 2.72. When I try to uninstall it from settings, I seem to get into a bootloop. The article from Android Police said it'll seem like I'm getting a bootloop but my device is actually re-encrypting itself. I don't know if this is true, and I didn't leave my phone alone long enough to figure out if it was.
I've read other threads suggesting that I need to have and flash the stock boot.img, which I don't know how or where to get.

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